Greek marinated chicken is the ultimate combination of tangy lemon, creamy yogurt, and fragrant herbs. This dish is designed to be full of vibrant flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Whether you're grilling it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, this recipe will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Greek marinated chicken so irresistible? The marinade packs a punch with zesty lemon, garlic, and Greek yogurt, creating a rich, flavorful coating that infuses the chicken with moisture and taste. This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can grill, bake, or even pan-sear the chicken to your preference. Plus, it’s an easy, healthy meal that works with various side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a week of healthy meals or hosting a dinner, this Greek-inspired chicken will satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- Zest of 1 lemon and juice of 3 lemons
- 5 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs. chicken breast
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, coriander, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a grill pan and heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Sear the chicken breasts on one side for 5 minutes, then flip them over. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Grilled Greek Chicken: For an authentic grilled version, after marinating, you can cook the chicken on a preheated grill for about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Boneless Skinless Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a juicier option.
- Greek-Style Chicken Wraps: Use the marinated chicken in wraps with a tzatziki sauce, cucumbers, and fresh vegetables for a quick and healthy meal.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like thyme or basil, to tweak the flavor of the marinade according to your taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in a microwave, though the texture may be slightly different.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great with this marinade. They will be even juicier than chicken breasts and have more flavor.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, marinate for 12-24 hours.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken a day ahead. Simply store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator and cook it the next day.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure all your ingredients, such as the yogurt and spices, do not contain gluten.
5. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! If you prefer grilling, you can grill the marinated chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
6. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
7. Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt for this recipe?
Yes, low-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute. However, full-fat yogurt tends to yield a creamier texture.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
9. What should I serve this Greek marinated chicken with?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, or rice pilaf. You can also serve it with pita bread and tzatziki for a complete meal.
10. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano. Typically, you’d use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.
Conclusion
This Greek marinated chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. The combination of lemon, yogurt, and spices results in incredibly tender and juicy chicken that's packed with flavor. Whether you're preparing a simple dinner or a feast for friends, this dish will surely be a hit.
Greek Marinated Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Marinated Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, Greek yogurt, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The creamy marinade ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken every time, whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. It's versatile, healthy, and a great way to introduce fresh, vibrant flavors to your meals.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 3 lemons
- 5 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs. chicken breast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, coriander, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a grill pan and heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Sear the chicken on one side for 5 minutes, then flip and transfer the pan to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Grilled Version: After marinating, grill the chicken on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.
- Boneless Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a juicier result.
- Wrap Ideas: Use the chicken in wraps with tzatziki, cucumbers, and veggies for a fresh meal.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
